The Showcase: NGƯỜI ĐƠM HOA GIẤY - ''CHẠM'' VÀO GIÁ TRỊ TRUYỀN THỐNG
ARTWORK: LOTUS POND
Inspired by the idea of juxtaposing the softness and grace of traditional Huế handmade paper lotus flowers with the rough and rigid texture of a metal wall, the "Lotus Pond" installation vividly showcases the contrast in materials. Yet, it creates a harmonious blend and dialogue between tradition and modernity, between fluidity and structure.
The uniqueness of "Lotus Pond" lies in its multidimensionality. From different angles, viewers can perceive various messages. For instance, when observed from the front, it gives the impression of gazing into a rippling pond where serene and sturdy lotuses convey peace and purity amid the chaos. From a side view, the lotuses appear to be in motion, reaching out with strength from the still metal wall, symbolizing resilience and persistence.
This artwork aims to express the young generation’s respect for tradition, carrying the hope of contributing to the preservation and development of the nation's cultural heritage, from which we can confidently reach out to the wider world.
ARTWORK: THE ROAD OF FLOWERS
"The Road of Flowers" depicts the familiar sight of Thanh Tiên villagers transporting flowers during the Lunar New Year season, hurriedly carrying vibrant bouquets through winding rice fields. Whether crossing rivers on boats or riding simple bicycles, they transport not only flowers but also the pride of their traditional craft village. Having Thanh Tiên flowers displayed in homes signals the presence of a Huế-style Tết.
Using curved rattan, this piece recreates the meandering paths traveled daily by villagers as they bring flowers to market in the days leading up to Tết.
ARTWORK: COLORS OF LIFE
In the artist's memory, visiting Thanh Tiên village as a child meant seeing vibrant paper flowers fluttering in the wind. The flowers were dyed, shaped, and attached to small bamboo sticks to be dried under the sun, standing close together in layers of various colors and types. Each household had its own set of colors, proudly glowing under the sun. This work features Thanh Tiên paper flowers hand-dyed by artisan Thân Minh Nhật. While traditional in origin, the colors are distinctly contemporary.
ARTWORK: BAMBOO AND BLOSSOMS
This work blends bamboo with paper flowers, weaving flowers into bamboo mats, symbolizing the intersection of tradition and modernity.
In the exhibition, “Bamboo and Blossoms” requires viewers to look upward to fully appreciate the vibrant flowers. Like the lives of younger generations, when faced with challenges or pressure, they can always look up toward the sky. Even amid the rush or pressure of life, take a few seconds to pause in this space, look up, and see that life can be as radiant as these flowers. Your journey will continue, full of color and variety, and everything will eventually get better.
ARTWORK: CONNECTION
Paper flowers don’t need fertile soil to bloom, just as your beauty doesn’t need perfect conditions to shine. Modern paper flowers from May, inspired by the traditional Thanh Tiên craft, reflect adaptability to contemporary times, with creativity and sustainability in every detail. True beauty only flourishes when it’s rooted firmly in its essence. Without a solid foundation, how can we grow and shine?